Garage door rules in Washington, DC

District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), Business Licensing Division — official site

A Basic Business License under the Contractor and Construction Services category, defined as "Services that involve the planning, acquiring, building, equipping, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing of any structure or appurtenance." The two business activities are "General Contractor (A, B, C, G & H)/Construction Manager" and "Home Improvement Contractor". DLCP notes that "all Home Improvement Contractors and General Contractors doing residential contracting are required to designate and maintain a Basic Business License for at least one (1) Home Improvement Salesperson."

Home Improvement Contractor: Surety Bond of $25,000, plus a Police Criminal History Report and a Certificate of Liability Insurance. General Contractor/Construction Manager: no surety bond is listed; a Certificate of Liability Insurance is required.

Construction is governed by the DC Construction Codes, DCMR Title 12: "The 2017 DC Construction Codes consist of the 2015 International Code Council (ICC) family of model codes, the 2014 National Electrical Code, and 2013 ASHRAE 90.1, as amended by the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) Title 12, Sections A through M. The 2017 DC Construction Code takes effect on May 29, 2020." The Residential Code applies to detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane, covering construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition.